Method for testing the electromagnetic compatibility of a radar detector with at least one onboard pulse signal transmitter

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for testing the electromagnetic compatibility of a radar detector with at least one onboard pulse signal transmitter, wherein said radar detector and each onboard transmitter are part of the same platform, by means of eliminating the onboard component in the signals received by said radar detector, where the onboard component corresponds to the mix of the direct component and the reflected component onboard, said method comprising a training phase allowing the detected pulses to be divided into classes, grouping together the pulses for which at least two characteristics have a common range of values, and a phase of eliminating, the pulses that belong to the selected classes.

The invention relates to a method for testing the electromagneticcompatibility of a radar detector with at least one onboard pulse signaltransmitter. The invention also relates to an associated radar detectorand platform.

A platform is a hardware entity in particular used in the militaryfield. A ship, an aircraft, a land-based vehicle, a land-based groundstation or a space station are examples of such platforms.

The platforms are equipped with radar detectors and onboard radars.Radar detectors serve to receive and detect radar signals, while onboard radars emit radar signals.

In some situations, the radar detector receives pulses coming fromonboard radars.

Indeed, studying the pulse received by a radar detector coming from anonboard radar shows that the received pulse comprises a direct componentand reflected components.

The direct component is due to the propagation of the pulse emittedbetween the antenna of the radar and that of the radar detector, alongthe shortest path. The direct component therefore arrives at the radardetector delayed relative to the emitted pulse, but first relative tothe others that are reflected.

The reflected components are due to the reflections of the emitted pulseon all of the other hardware objects reflecting the environment.Different types of reflective objects can be distinguished based ontheir proximity to players (antenna of the onboard radar and antenna ofthe radar detector). In order of increasing distance, the first typecorresponds to the reflective surfaces of the carrier platform in viewof the players (for example for a ship, the superstructures, a cannon),the second type corresponds to the land surface (essentially the sea, oreven the ground to a certain extent) that plays continuously up to theradio horizon, and the third type corresponds to the particularlyreflective surfaces of finite size bounded in the propagation direction,thus forming singular points (platforms other than the carrier platform,land relief).

Thus, the presence of the onboard radars therefore hinders the operationof the radar detector, whether via the direct component or the reflectedcomponents of first, second or third type.

It is therefore desirable for the operation of the radar detectors to becompatible with the onboard radars. Such an issue is typically calledelectromagnetic compatibility (abbreviated EMC).

To that end, it is known to use an effective attenuation in the entirereception frequency band of the radar detector. Such an attenuation isfor example done using a PIN (Positive Intrinsic Negative) diode thenserving as switch.

However, such an attenuation involves cutting all reception during thebother phases, which decreases the issue of interception of the radardetector on the radar signals of interest.

There is therefore a need, in the context of a platform equipped with aradar detector and at least one onboard pulse signal transmitter, for amethod for testing the electromagnetic compatibility between the radardetector and each onboard transmitter that is more effective.

To that end, the description describes a method for testing theelectromagnetic compatibility of a radar detector with at least oneonboard pulse signal transmitter, the radar detector and each onboardtransmitter belonging to the same platform, by eliminating the cluttercomponent in the signals received by the radar detector, the methodcomprising a training phase including, for each onboard transmitter, anacquisition subphase seeking to obtain detected pulses, each pulse beingcharacterized by characteristics, the characteristics including at leastthe date of arrival of the pulse in question and the carrier frequencyof the pulse in question. The method comprises a subphase includingacquiring signals derived from pulses emitted by the onboard transmitterin question and each corresponding to the clutter component, in order toobtain the detected pulses, and acquiring measurements ofcharacteristics of the detected pulses, a calculating subphase includingdistributing the detected pulses into classes grouping together thepulses for which at least two characteristics have a shared value range,and selecting classes including a number of pulses greater than or equalto a predetermined threshold, in order to obtain selected classes, andan elimination phase including building an elimination range, anelimination range being the set of pulses detectable by the radardetector belonging to the selected classes, and the elimination in thesignals received by the radar detector of the pulses belonging to theelimination range.

According to specific embodiments, the method comprises one or more ofthe following features, considered alone or according to any technicallypossible combinations:

-   -   the distribution is carried out using a histogram.    -   the radar detector includes an attenuator, the elimination is        implemented by using the attenuator preventing the detection of        pulses belonging to the elimination range.    -   the radar detector includes a computer, the elimination being        implemented by the computer by eliminating detected pulses        belonging to the elimination range.    -   each onboard transmitter is capable of producing a        synchronization signal, the training and elimination phases        being paced using the synchronization signal of each onboard        transmitter.    -   the acquisition subphase includes the formation and use of        acquisition ranges.    -   the calculating subphase is carried out twice, the distribution        during the first implementation of the calculating subphase        using first characteristics, the distribution during the second        implementation of the calculating subphase using second        characteristics, the first and second characteristics being        different and the classes selected for the eliminating phase        being the classes selected during the first implementation of        the calculating subphase and the classes selected during the        second implementation of the calculating subphase.

The description also proposes a radar detector comprising anelectromagnetic wave receiver and a calculator, the radar detector beingconfigured to implement a method for testing the electromagneticcompatibility of a radar detector with at least one onboard pulse signaltransmitter, the radar detector and each onboard transmitter belongingto the same platform, by eliminating the clutter component in thesignals received by the radar detector, the method comprising a trainingphase including, for each onboard transmitter, an acquisition subphaseseeking to obtain detected pulses, each pulse being characterized bycharacteristics, the characteristics including at least the date ofarrival of the pulse in question and the carrier frequency of the pulsein question. The method comprises a subphase including acquiring signalsderived from pulses emitted by the onboard transmitter in question andeach corresponding to the clutter component, in order to obtain thedetected pulses, and acquiring measurements of characteristics of thedetected pulses, a calculating subphase including distributing thedetected pulses into classes grouping together the pulses for which atleast two characteristics have a shared value range, and selectingclasses including a number of pulses greater than or equal to apredetermined threshold, in order to obtain selected classes, and anelimination phase including building an elimination range, anelimination range being the set of pulses detectable by the radardetector belonging to the selected classes, and the elimination in thesignals received by the radar detector of the pulses belonging to theelimination range.

The description also relates to a platform equipped with a radardetector.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear upon readingthe following description of embodiments of the invention, provided asan example only and in reference to the drawings, which are:

FIGS. 1 to 8, schematic illustrations of signals for a first case;

FIGS. 9 to 16, schematic illustrations of signals for a second case;

FIGS. 17 to 24, schematic illustrations of signals for a third case;

FIG. 25, a schematic illustration of an example radar detector capableof implementing a method for testing the electromagnetic compatibilitybetween pulse signal receivers and onboard pulse signal transmitters,and

FIGS. 26 to 32, schematic functional illustrations of an exampleembodiment of the test method at several different stages.

Proposed is a platform including a plurality of onboard pulse signaltransmitters 2 and at least one radar detector 4.

Before outlining the components of the radar detector 4, the disruptiveenvironment is described in which the radar detector 4 is called upon towork in reference to FIGS. 1 to 24.

FIG. 1 shows the envelope of the emitted pulses designated by ie; thesepulses are recurrent.

FIG. 2 shows the envelope of the signal received s by a radar detector 4after the omission of the pulse ie.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show the envelopes of four physical components forming thereceived signal s.

FIG. 3 shows the envelope of the direct component, the direct componentbeing designated by scd.

FIG. 4 shows the envelope of the component reflected by elements of thecarrier platform. Such a component is called onboard reflectedcomponent. The onboard reflected component is designated by thereference sign scrb.

FIG. 5 shows the envelope of the component reflected by the landsurface. Such a component is called the clutter. The clutter isdesignated by reference sign scrf.

FIG. 6 shows the envelope of the component reflected on externalisolated objects. Due to the similarity with the echoes in radar, thereflected component on external isolated objects is designated byreference sign scre.

In FIG. 6, as an example, only two echoes are illustrated.

FIG. 7 shows a synchronization signal of an onboard radar delivered byitself. The synchronization signal is designated by reference sign srbe.

In the illustrated example, the synchronization signal srbe temporallyoverlaps the emitted pulse ie. As a result, a first time interval τ₁ anda second time interval τ₂ can be defined.

The front edge of the synchronization signal srbe is in advance by afirst time interval τ₁ relative to the moment of the beginning of theemitted pulse ie.

The rear edge of the synchronization signal srbe is behind by a secondtime interval τ₂ relative to the moment of the end of the emitted pulseie.

FIG. 8 shows a signal corresponding to the synchronization signal srbethat arrives at the radar detector 4 after propagating in a transmissioncable. The arriving signal is designated by reference sign srb.

The transmitted signal srb is delayed by a third time interval τ₃relative to the synchronization signal srbe.

The fourth time interval τ₄ is defined as the time delay between thebeginning of the received signal s and the front edge of thesynchronization signal srbe. It should be noted that the differencebetween the fourth and third time intervals τ₄ -τ₃ corresponds to thewarning that the front edge of the transmitted signal srb offersrelative to the actual bother; this warning should therefore be largeenough and positive so that it can be used (typically at least severalhundreds of nanoseconds).

A fifth time interval τ₅ is defined as the time interval between thefront edge of the synchronization signal srbe and the latest date ofarrival of the pulses reflected by the edge of type scrb.

A sixth time interval τ₆ corresponds to the time interval between thefront edge of the synchronization signal srbe and the passage of theclutter scrf under a nondisruptive power.

A seventh time interval τ₇ and an eighth time interval τ₈ are alsodefined respectively corresponding to the start and end moments of thefirst echo relative to the front edge of the synchronization signalsrbe. The ninth and tenth time intervals τ₉ and τ₁₀ correspond to thesame moments for the second echo.

FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate the case where the emitted pulse beingsufficiently short (FIG. 1), there is no temporal overlap between thedirect component scd (FIG. 3) and the reflected onboard component scrb(FIG. 4), such that the received signal s has two pulses at thebeginning of recurrence (FIG. 2).

FIGS. 9 to 24 illustrate the case where the conditions are such thatthere is this temporal overlap embodied by the crosshatched zone. Insuch a case, the radar detector 4 perceives the vectoral combination ofthe direct component scd and the reflected onboard component scrb. Ingeneral, the resultant envelope s is linked to the amplitude-phaserelationships between these two signals. FIGS. 9 to 16 illustrate asituation of these two signals in phase and FIGS. 17 to 24, a situationin opposition. This is only a non-limiting example, since inapplication, these amplitude-phase relationships are not known orcontrolled. In fact, in some cases, the envelope has one or severalsuccessive pulses. Additionally, the situation is much more complicatedif there are several reflected onboard components.

An example radar detector 4 is shown in FIG. 25.

The radar detector 4 includes two parts: a radar wave receiver 6 and acalculator 8.

The receiver 6 includes N channels.

N is an integer greater than or equal to 2 when the receiver 6 is ableto implement goniometry.

According to another embodiment, the receiver 6 includes a singlechannel.

In FIG. 1, only three channels are shown: the first channel, the nthchannel and the Nth channel. The presence of other channels is indicatedby dotted lines.

Each channel includes an antenna 10 followed by an attenuator 11, theattenuator 11 being followed by a receiving chain 14.

Each antenna 10 is able to receive a radio signal and to deliver anelectrical signal to the attenuator 11 from the received radio signal.

The set of antennas 10 allows the goniometry of the signals received bythe antennas.

The attenuator 11 includes a set of attenuating elements of the signal.

The presence of the attenuator 11 makes it possible to guarantee theelectromagnetic compatibility.

The attenuator 11 includes at least one switch 12.

The switch 12 is capable of allowing or not allowing a signal to pass.

According to one particular example, the switch 12 is a PIN diode withpolarization controlled by the blanking signal and offering anattenuation of 40 to 60 dB.

According to the example of FIG. 25, the attenuator 11 includes Jinsertion devices 13 of a serial rejector filter, each corresponding tothe rejection of an appropriate frequency range with respect to onboardradars with an attenuation of about 30 to 60 dB.

Each receiving chain 14 is capable of delivering a signal such that theset of receiving chains 14 is capable of delivering N signals inparallel.

The calculator 8 is for example a set of digital components.

In a variant, the calculator 8 is a computer program product, such as asoftware program.

The computer 8 is capable of carrying out steps of a method for testingthe electromagnetic compatibility of the receiver 6 with the onboardpulse signal transmitters 2.

The operation of the radar detector 4 is now described in reference toFIGS. 26 to 32, which show a schematic view of the test method withseveral separate steps.

To that end, the calculator 8 is broken down into modules, thisbreakdown illustrating the different functions that the calculator 8 iscapable of carrying out.

The calculator 8 includes a pulse characterization module 15, adevelopment characterization and track characterization module 17 and acompatibility module 22 inserted between the two modules 15 and 17.

The pulse characterization module 15 is capable of analyzing the Nsignals that the receiver 6 is capable of delivering.

The pulse characterization module 15 is capable of characterizing eachdetectable incident radar pulse.

Such a characterization is implemented using at least one measurement ofproperties of the pulse.

A property is also called characteristic hereinafter (hence the termcharacterized pulses).

According to one example, the property is the date of arrival of thepulse t, which is the moment of arrival dating the front edge of thepulse.

According to another example, the property is the amplitude of the pulseA.

According to still another example, the property is the width of thepulse LI.

According to another embodiment, the property is the carrier frequencyof the pulse f.

According to still another embodiment, the property is the intentionalmodulation on pulse IMOP and optionally the unintentional modulation onpulse UMOP, globally referred to as modulation on pulse MOP.

According to another example, the property is the direction of arrivalθ. For example, the direction of arrival is characterized by theazimuth, i.e., the angle of arrival in the local horizontal planereferenced relative to the geographical north. In a variant, thedirection of arrival is characterized by the angle of elevation, i.e.,the angle of arrival in the local vertical plane relative to the localhorizontal.

According to another example, the property is the polarization of thecarrier wave pol.

According to one specific example, the characterization is done using aplurality of measurements of properties of the pulse, each measurementbeing chosen from among the previous examples.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the chosen properties are the date ofarrival of the pulse t, the amplitude of the pulse A, the width of thepulse LI, the carrier frequency of the pulse f, the modulation on pulseMOP and the direction of arrival θ.

Furthermore, hereinafter, each pulse is designated by the reference signIC_(k). k being an integer, the index k corresponding to the kthdetected radar pulse.

For the kth detected radar pulse, these different properties areassigned an index k, hence the writing IC_(k)=(t_(k), A_(k), LI_(k),f_(k), MOP_(k), θ_(k)).

The compatibility module 22 is capable of carrying out the test method.The method uses the characterized pulses IC_(k), also designated byreference sign 16 corresponding to the edge radars, to optimize the useof the attenuator 11 and to be able to eliminate, from the flow{IC_(k)}, the characterized pulses corresponding to the edge radars andto transmit a filtered flow of characterized pulses {ICF_(k),}, alsodesignated by reference sign 23, to the track development andcharacterization module 17.

To that end, the compatibility module 22 includes a plurality of modulesvisible in FIG. 27. These modules are a module 40 for storing predefinedproperties, a module 50 for measuring date of arrival, a module 60 forforming ranges, a module 70 for comparing a characterized pulse with arange, a module 80 for storing recalibrated characterized pulses, acalculating module 90, a module 100 for storing calculated properties, amodule 110 for eliminating characterized pulses and a module 120 fordeveloping blankings.

The flow of characterized pulses {IC_(k)} is processed by a module 17for developing and characterizing tracks, the tracks 18 being objectssynthesizing the set of characteristics of the radar that areperceptible over time (recurrence, antenna radiation, variousmodulations).

We will now outline the test method in reference to FIGS. 27 to 32.

The method includes two phases, namely a training phase and anelimination phase.

The two phases are paced by the various synchronization signals from theonboard radars.

The training phase serves to acquire a fine characterization of thesignals derived from the pulses emitted by the onboard radars owing tothe characterized pulses IC_(k) in order to form elimination rangesallowing precise control of the elimination phase, the characterizedpulses IC_(k) being selected owing to acquisition ranges.

The training phase is implemented for each onboard radar.

The training phase includes three acquisition subphases: a firstsubphase for acquiring the onboard component (mixing of the directcomponent scd and the onboard reflected component scrb, a secondsubphase for acquiring the reflected clutter component scrf and a thirdsubphase for acquiring the component reflected on external isolatedobjects scre.

Each of the three subphases comprises a first step for acquiringcharacterized pulses IC_(k) and a second calculating step.

FIGS. 28 to 30 respectively correspond to the three acquisitionsubphases. Each of the figures show the functions used in thick linesand the useful data enhanced by an arrow, to indicate the path,crosshatched for those used for the first acquisition steps and in solidblack for those used for the second calculating steps.

For each onboard radar, each first acquisition step is paced by thesynchronization signal of the onboard radar in question srb_(i).

Each first acquisition step includes a measurement, a formation and acomparison.

During the measurement, a measurement is done of the date of arrivalt_(m,i) of the front edge of the m-th pulse of the synchronizationsignal srb_(i) of the i-th onboard radar. Such a measurement isimplemented by the date of arrival measuring module 50, in coherencewith the dates of arrival measured by the module for characterizing thepulses 15 situated upstream from the radar detector 4, i.e., with thesame origin, resolution and time measuring precision.

During the formation, an acquisition range DA_(m,i) is formed specificto each subphase and corresponding to this mth pulse of thesynchronization signal srb_(i) of the ith onboard radar. The formationis carried out by the range forming module 60.

During the comparison, the incident characterized pulses IC_(k) arecompared to the acquisition range DA_(m,i). The comparison isimplemented by the module for comparing a characterized pulse with arange 70.

If the characterized pulse IC_(k) is contained in the range DA_(m,i)then the pulse is stored by the module for storing recalibratedcharacterized pulses 80, recalibrated in time relative to the date ofarrival of the synchronization pulse of the onboard radar that has justbeen measured, i.e., in the form ICR_(k)=(δt_(k), A_(k), LI_(k), f_(k),MOP_(k), θ_(k)) where δt_(k)=t_(k)−t_(m,i), otherwise the pulse is notused.

To be representative in quantity, the recalibrated characterized pulsesICR_(k) correspond to a number of synchronization pulses reaching atleast M_(i), value specific to the ith onboard radar but also to eachsubphase.

FIG. 28 illustrates the first acquisition subphase of the onboardcomponent, M_(i)=M_(B,i) a value further predefined and coming from themodule for storing predefined properties 40, and the acquisition rangeDA_(m,i)=DA_(B,m,i) is formed by the range forming module 60 from, forexample:

-   -   a range of general characteristics of the pulses of the ith        onboard radar, CG_(i), the range being further predefined and        coming from the module for storing predefined properties 40,        which may comprise Q_(i) definition classes, Q_(i) being an        integer greater than or equal to 1, CG_(i)=[, CG_(i,q) _(i) ,]        where CG_(i,q) _(i) =[(LI_(min,i,q) _(i) , LI_(max, i,q) _(i) ),        (f_(min,i,q) _(i) ), (MOP_(min,i,q) _(i) , MOP_(max,i,q) _(i) )]        and q_(i) an integer from 1 to Q_(i) ;    -   a duration T_(FB,i) defining a maximum time range relative to        t_(m,i) and during which the dates of arrival of the onboard        component can be, and    -   the date of arrival of the front edge of the mth pulse of the        ith onboard radar t_(m,i) coming from the module for measuring        date of arrival 50.

The acquisition range is calculated as follows:

${DA}_{B,m,i} = {\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\begin{bmatrix}{\left( {t_{m,i},{t_{m,i} + T_{{FB},i}}} \right),\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,q_{i},}{LI}_{\max,i,q_{i}}} \right),} \\{\left( {f_{\min,i,q_{i}},f_{\max,i,q_{i}}} \right),\left( {{MOP}_{\min,i,q_{i},}{MOP}_{\max,i,q_{i}}} \right)}\end{bmatrix},}\mspace{14mu} \right\rbrack.}$

FIG. 29 illustrates the second acquisition subphase, M_(i)=M_(F,i) avalue further predefined and coming from the module for storingpredefined properties 40, and the acquisition range DA_(m,i)=DA_(F,m,i)is formed by the range forming module 60 from:

-   -   useful edge classes C_(BU2,i)=[,C_(BU2,i,l′) _(2,i) ] where        C_(BU2,i,l′) _(2,i) =[(δt_(min,i,l′) _(2,i) , δt_(max,i,l′)        _(2,i) ), (f_(min,i,l′) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,l′) _(2,i) )] with        l′_(2,i) an integer from 1 to L′_(2,i), coming from the module        for storing calculated properties 100 and established by the        second calculating step of the first acquisition subphase;    -   durations T_(FB,i) and T_(FF,i) defining a maximum time range        relative to t_(m,i) and during which the dates of arrival of the        clutter component can be;    -   the date of arrival of the front edge of the mth pulse of the        ith onboard radar t_(m,i) coming from the module for measuring        date of arrival 50.

The acquisition range DA_(F,m,i) is calculated as follows:

${DA}_{F,m,i} = {\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} + T_{{FB},i}},{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} + T_{{FF},i}}} \right),} \\\left( {f_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} \right)\end{bmatrix},}\mspace{14mu} \right\rbrack.}$

FIG. 30 illustrates the third acquisition subphase, M_(i)=M_(E,i) avalue further predefined and coming from the module for storingpredefined properties 40, and the acquisition range DA_(m,i)=DA_(E,m,i)is formed by the range forming module 60 from:

-   -   useful edge classes C_(BU2,i)=[,C_(BU2,i,l′) _(2,i) , ] with        C_(Bu2,i,l′) _(2,i) =[(δt_(min,i,l′) _(2,i) , δt_(max,i,l′)        _(2,i) ), (f_(min,i,l′) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,l′) _(2,i) ) ] and an        integer from 1 to L′_(2,i), where L′_(2,i), coming from the        module for storing calculated properties 100 and established by        the second calculating step of the first acquisition subphase    -   durations T_(DE,i) and T_(FE,i) defining a maximum time range        relative to t_(m,i) and during which the dates of arrival of the        external echo component can be;    -   the date of arrival of the front edge of the mth pulse of the        ith onboard radar t_(m,i) coming from the module for measuring        date of arrival 50.

The acquisition range DA_(E,m,i) is calculated as follows:

${DA}_{E,m,i} = {\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} + T_{{DE},i}},{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} + T_{{FE},i}}} \right),} \\\left( {f_{\min,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,l_{2,i}^{\prime}}} \right)\end{bmatrix},}\mspace{14mu} \right\rbrack.}$

All of the first acquisition steps stop when the number ofsynchronization pulses, for the ith onboard radar, reaches M_(i) a valuespecific to each subphase, the set of recalibrated characterized pulsesthus acquired (,ICR_(k),) is used by the second calculating step of theconsidered acquisition subphase.

For the first acquisition subphase, the second calculating partcomprises a first distribution, a second distribution, a grouping and adetermination.

During the first distribution, the recalibrated characterized pulsesICR_(k) of the set (,ICR_(k),) coming from the module for storingrecalibrated characterized pulses 80 are distributed into classesaccording to the five properties δt, A, LI, f and MOP, delivering anumber of recalibrated characterized pulses H_(BB5,i,l) _(5,i) by rawedge classes.

$C_{{{BB}\; 5},i,l_{5,i}} = \begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{5,i}}},{\delta \; t_{\max,i,l_{5,i}}}} \right),\left( {A_{\min,i,l_{5,i}},A_{\max,i,l_{5,i}}} \right),} \\{\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}},{LI}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}}} \right),\left( {f_{\min,i,l_{5,i}},f_{\max,i,l_{5,i}}} \right),} \\\left( {{MOP}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}},{MOP}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}}} \right)\end{bmatrix}$

where l_(5,i) is an integer from 1 to L_(5,i), L_(5,i) being the numberof classes.

This first distribution corresponds to a histogram.

During the second distribution, the recalibrated characterized pulsesICR_(k) of the set (,ICR_(k),) coming from the module for storingrecalibrated characterized pulses 80 are distributed into classesaccording to the two properties St and f, delivering a number ofrecalibrated characterized pulses H_(BB2,i,l) _(2,i) by raw edge classC_(BB2,i,l) _(2,i) =[(δt_(min,i,l) _(5,i) , δt_(max,i,l) _(5,i) ),(f_(min,i,l) _(5,i) , f_(max,i,l) _(5,i) )] where l_(2,i) is an integerfrom 1 to L_(2,i), L_(2,i) being the number of classes.

This second distribution corresponds to a histogram.

During the grouping, for each of the two distributions, raw edge classesthat are too close together are grouped together.

Two classes are considered to be too close if the distance between classcenters is below a predefined value, Δ_(B5,i) and Δ_(B2,i),respectively, for the first and second distributions coming from themodule for storing predefined properties 40, depending on naturaldispersions produced by the onboard radar and measuring dispersions ofthe radar detector 4 relative to each property defining the class.

During the determination, useful edge classes are determined from edgeclasses after grouping for each of the two distributions, the usefulclass being a class whereof the number of elements is greater than orequal to the predefined threshold O_(c,i) coming from the module forstoring predefined properties 40.

A first set of useful edge classes C_(BU5,i) is thus obtained stored inthe module for storing calculated properties 100, comprising L′_(5,i)classes remaining after grouping and thresholding, each useful edgeclass being defined by:

$C_{{{BU}\; 5},i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}} = \begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}},{\delta \; t_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}}} \right),\left( {A_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},A_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\{\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},{LI}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),\left( {f_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\\left( {{MOP}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},{MOP}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right)\end{bmatrix}$

where l′_(5,i) is an integer from 1 to L′_(5,i), a second set of usefuledge classes C_(BU2) is thus obtained stored in the module for storingcalculated properties 100, comprising L′_(2,i) classes remaining aftergrouping and thresholding, each useful edge class being defined byC_(BU2,i,l′) _(2,i) =[(δt_(min,i,l) _(2,i) , δt_(max,i,l) _(2,i) ),(f_(min,i,l) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,l) _(2,i) )] where l′_(2,i) is an integerfrom 1 to L′_(2,i) (as a reminder, the indices and numbers assigned anapostrophe “ ′” are those after grouping and thresholding so as not toconfuse them with those before this task).

In a variant, the number of five properties, according to which theclasses of the first distribution are created, is different, inparticular smaller.

According to another example, having only the second distribution onlyusing the two indicated properties can be considered.

According to another example, the elimination of classes by thresholdingis done before the grouping.

For the second subphase for acquisition of the reflected cluttercomponent, the second calculating part (FIG. 29) comprises adistribution and a search.

During the distribution, the recalibrated characterized pulses ICR_(k)of the set (,ICR_(k),) coming from the module for storing recalibratedcharacterized pulses 80 are distributed into classes according to thetwo properties δt and f, delivering a number of recalibratedcharacterized pulses H_(F2,i,r) _(2,i) by clutter classes C_(F2,i,r)_(2,i) =[(δt_(min,r) _(2,i) , δt_(max,i,r) _(2,i) (f_(min,i,r) _(2,i) ,f_(max,i,r) _(2,i) )]

where r_(2,i) is an integer from 1 to R_(2,i), R_(2,i) being the numberof classes.

This distribution corresponds to a histogram.

In the case at hand, the continuous nature of the clutter, in particularof the sea clutter, causes the radar detector 4 to measure a pulse widthequal to the maximum value for which the radar detector 4 is designed,and several times in a row over time as long as its sensitivity allowsit to detect this clutter. Thus, the value of LI is practically uniqueand the delay classes δt are numerous and continuous.

During the search, delay classes (δt_(min,i,r′) _(2,i) , δt_(max,i,r′)_(2,i) ) are sought. More specifically, the delay classes are soughtfrom which the numbers H_(F2,i,r′) _(2,i) with a constant frequencyclass (f_(min,i,r) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,r) _(2,i) ) are below a predefinedthreshold value O_(F,i) and coming from the module for storingpredefined properties 40, for r′_(2,i) an integer from 1 to R_(2,i) andr_(2,i) a constant integer when r′_(2,i) sweeps all of the delayclasses, r_(2,i) going from 1 to R_(2,i).

One thus obtains a set F_(i) stored in the module for storing calculatedproperties 100, of R_(2,i) frequency classes (f_(min,i,r) _(2,i) ,f_(max,i,r) _(2,i) ) each associated with a delay class (δt_(min,i,r′)_(2,i) _((r) _(2,i) ₎, δt_(max,i,r′) _(2,i) _((r) _(2,i) ₎),

Where:

-   -   r_(2,i) is an integer from 1 to R_(2,i),    -   F_(i)=(,[(f_(min,i,r) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,r) _(2,i) ),        (δt_(min,i,r′) _(2,i) _((r) _(2,i) ₎, δt_(max,i,r′) _(2,i) _((r)        _(2,i) ₎)],). F_(i) corresponds to a clutter map expressing a        presence of bothersome estimated clutter for given frequency        classes as a function of delay classes, in other words as a        function of given distance classes, since, like for a radar, the        delay multiplied by half the wave propagation speed (150 m/μs)        gives the distance.

For the third subphase for acquisition of the reflected component onexternal isolated objects, the second calculating part (FIG. 29)comprises a distribution, a grouping and a determination.

During the distribution, the recalibrated characterized pulses ICR_(k)of the set (,ICR_(k),) coming from the module for storing recalibratedcharacterized pulses 80 are distributed into classes according to thefour properties δt, LI, f and θ, delivering a number

${C_{{{EB}\; 4\; i},u_{4,i}} = \begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{\delta \; t_{\min,i,u_{4,i}}},{\delta \; t_{\max,i,u_{4,i}}}} \right),\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,u_{4,i}},{LI}_{\max,i,u_{4,i}}} \right),} \\{\left( {f_{\min,i,u_{4,i}},f_{\max,i,u_{4,i}}} \right),\left( {\theta_{\min,i,u_{4,i}},\theta_{\max,i,u_{4,i}}} \right)}\end{bmatrix}},$

where u_(4,i) is an integer from 1 to U_(4,i), U_(4,i) being the numberof classes.

This distribution corresponds to a histogram.

During the grouping, the raw external echo classes that are too closetogether are grouped together. Two classes are considered to be tooclose if the distance between class centers is below a furtherpredefined value, Δ_(E3,i) derived from 40, depending on naturaldispersions produced by the onboard radar and measuring dispersions ofthe radar detector 4 relative to each property defining the class.

During the determination, the useful external echo classes are groupedtogether from external echo classes after grouping, a useful class beinga class whereof the number of elements is further greater than or equalto the predefined threshold and coming from the module for storingpredefined properties 40.

A set of useful edge classes C_(EU4,i) is thus obtained stored in themodule for storing calculated properties 100, comprising U′_(4,i) is thenumber of classes remaining after grouping and thresholding, each classbeing defined by:

$C_{{{EU}\; 4\; i},u_{4,i}^{\prime}} = \begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{\delta \; t_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}},{\delta \; t_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}}} \right),\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},{LI}_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\{\left( {f_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right),\left( {\theta_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},\theta_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right)}\end{bmatrix}$

where u′_(4,i) is an integer from 1 to U′_(4,i).

C_(EU4,i) corresponds to a map of the angle-distance echoes with a givenfrequency class and pulse width, distance because, like for a radar, thedelay multiplied by half the wave propagation speed (150 m/μs) gives thedistance.

In a variant, the elimination of classes by thresholding is carried outbefore the grouping.

The purpose of the elimination phase is to eliminate the signals derivedfrom the onboard radars by implementing elimination ranges, developedfrom elements learned by the training phase.

The elimination phase is implemented according to two different actionmodes, the action mode at the signal level and the action mode at thecharacterized pulse level IC_(k).

The action mode at the signal level acts by attenuating the signal owingto the attenuator 11 controlled by an appropriate set of blinkingsignals.

The action mode at the characterized pulse level acts directly byeliminating characterized pulses (data elimination).

In the illustrated example, the elimination phase uses two differentelimination ranges, a first dedicated to eliminating onboard and cluttercomponents DE_(BF,m,i) and a second dedicated to eliminating externalecho components DE_(EE,m,i).

For a same onboard radar, the two elimination ranges are generallyestablished in parallel unless there is no reason to produce them due toan absence of classes at the end of the training phase (for example, noexternal echo detected for DE_(EE,m,i)).

A given elimination range is only used by one action mode at a time.

The two elimination ranges are implemented indifferently by the sameaction mode or each by a different action mode.

According to one particular example, the action mode at the signal levelis reserved for the saturating components that may deteriorate theoperation of the radar detector 4; this action mode is therefore ratherreserved for the elimination range DE_(BF,m,i).

FIGS. 31 and 32 respectively illustrate the operation of the actionmodes at the signal level and at the characterized pulse level of theelimination phase. Each of FIGS. 31 and 32 show the functions used inthick lines and the useful data enhanced by a crosshatched arrow toindicate the path.

The elimination range dedicated to the onboard and clutter componentsDE_(BF,m,i) is formed by the range formation module 60 from:

-   -   the set C_(BU5,i) of L′_(5,i) classes and the set F_(i) of        R_(2,i) frequency classes (f_(min,i,r) _(2,i) , f_(max,i,r)        _(2,i) ), each associated with a delay class (δt_(min,i,r′)        _(2,i) _((r) _(2,i) ₎, δt_(max,i,r′) _(2,i) _((r) _(2,i) ₎),        r_(2,i) going from 1 to R_(2,i), these sets coming from the        module for storing calculated properties 100 that has stored        them from the training phase, and    -   the date of arrival of the front edge of the mth pulse of the        ith onboard radar t_(m,i) coming from the module for measuring        date of arrival 50.

For example, the elimination range is calculated as follows:

${DE}_{{BF},m,i} = {{\quad{\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}}},{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}}}} \right),\left( {A_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},A_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\{\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},{LI}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),\left( {f_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\\left( {{MOP}_{\min,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}},{MOP}_{\max,i,l_{5,i}^{\prime}}} \right)\end{bmatrix},}\mspace{14mu} \right\rbrack +}\quad}\; {\quad\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\left\lbrack {\left( {{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,{r_{2,i}^{\prime}{(r_{2,i})}}}}},{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\max,i,{r_{2,i}^{\prime}{(r_{2,i})}}}}}} \right),\left( {f_{\min,i,r_{2,i}},f_{\max,i,r_{2,i}}} \right)} \right\rbrack \mspace{14mu},} \right\rbrack}}$

with l′_(5,i) from 1 to L′_(5,i) and r_(2,1) from 1 to R_(2,i).

The elimination range dedicated to the external echo componentsDE_(EE,m,i) is formed by the range formation module 60 from:

-   -   the set C_(EU4,i) of U′_(4,i) classes coming from the module for        storing calculated properties 100 that stored it during the        training phase, and    -   the date of arrival of the front edge of the mth pulse of the        ith onboard radar t_(m,i) coming from the module for measuring        date of arrival 50.

For example, the elimination range is calculated as follows:

${{u_{4,i}^{\prime}\mspace{14mu} {with}\mspace{20mu} {DE}_{{EE},m,i}} = {{{\quad\quad}\left\lbrack \mspace{14mu} {,\begin{bmatrix}{\left( {{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}}},{t_{m,i} + {\delta \; t_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}}}} \right),\left( {{LI}_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},{LI}_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right),} \\{\left( {f_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},f_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right),\left( {\theta_{\min,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}},\theta_{\max,i,u_{4,i}^{\prime}}} \right)}\end{bmatrix},}\mspace{14mu} \right\rbrack}\mspace{11mu} {an}\mspace{14mu} {integer}\mspace{14mu} {from}\mspace{14mu} 1\mspace{14mu} {to}\mspace{14mu} {U_{4,i}^{\prime}.}}}\; \mspace{20mu}$

For each onboard radar, the elimination phase is paced by thesynchronization signal of the onboard radar in question srb_(i).

For both action modes, a first part is identical, establishing, uponeach pulse of this synchronization signal, a measurement of the date ofarrival t_(m,i) of the front edge of the mth pulse of thesynchronization signal srb_(i) of the ith onboard radar is done by thedate of arrival measuring module 50, in coherence with the dates ofarrival measured by the module for characterizing the pulses 15 situatedupstream from the radar detector 4, i.e., with the same origin,resolution and time measuring precision.

Also formed is an elimination range DE_(m,i) depending on the componentsto be eliminated and corresponding to this mth pulse of thesynchronization signal srb_(i) of the ith onboard radar signal is doneby the range forming module 60.

For the action mode at the signal level, the first part of theelimination phase is followed, as shown in FIG. 31, by a part specificto the mode with the module for developing blankings 120, developing aset of J blanking signals blk_(j) (21), j being an integer from 1 to Jand J being an integer greater than or equal to 1, capable ofreproducing, for a given onboard radar, one of the two eliminationranges or both depending on the choice made, and for all of the onboardradars, the set of elimination ranges in force formed by the module forforming ranges 60 (first part), taking into account the definition SΛ ofthe attenuator 11, which is further a set of predefined data and storedin the module for storing predefined properties 40.

For the action mode at the characterized pulse level IC_(k), the firstpart of the elimination phase is followed, as shown in FIG. 32, by aspecific part comprising a comparison and an elimination.

During the comparison, the incident characterized pulses IC_(k) arecompared to the set of elimination ranges entrusted for the set ofonboard radars, coming from the module for forming ranges 60 (firstpart), i.e., same function as that of the acquisition subphases of thetraining phase.

During the elimination, the characterized pulse IC_(k) of the flow{IC_(k)} is eliminated by the module for eliminating characterizedpulses 110 if the characterized pulse IC_(k) is contained in anyelimination range, otherwise, the characterized pulse IC_(k) is left inthis flow, the flow provided to the module 17 for developing andcharacterizing tracks is thus a filtered flow {ICF_(k′)}.

For a given onboard radar, the training phase is completed to begin theelimination phase. To account for any changes over time, waveforms anduse of a considered onboard radar, the training phase is restartedperiodically to obtain control of the updated elimination phase. In sucha case, the elimination phase at the signal must be stopped, otherwisethe elimination in progress will make the sought characterized pulsesimpossible, or at best, incorrect.

In general, during a training phase on a given onboard radar, theelimination phases should be stopped at the signal level regarding theother on board radars.

The elimination phase of the characterized pulses has no impact on thetraining phase. Control of the elimination phase of the characterizedpulses, incorrect because not updated, does not appear bothersomebecause stopping the phase will not do better and the elimination ofwanted characterized pulses is no more likely than with a correctcontrol.

In the context of a platform equipped with a radar detector 4 and atleast one onboard pulse signal transmitter 2, the method provides betterelectromagnetic compatibility between the radar detector 4 and eachonboard transmitter 2.

It should be noted that the effect is always obtained by carrying outthe method only on one of the components, for example on the onboardcomponent, the clutter component or the external echo component.

1. A method for testing the electromagnetic compatibility of a radardetector with at least one onboard pulse signal transmitter, the radardetector and each onboard transmitter belonging to the same platform, byeliminating the clutter component in the signals received by the radardetector, the method comprising: a training phase including, for eachonboard transmitter: an acquisition subphase seeking to obtain detectedpulses, each pulse being characterized by characteristics, thecharacteristics including at least the date of arrival of the pulse inquestion and the carrier frequency of the pulse in question, thesubphase including: acquiring signals derived from pulses emitted by theonboard transmitter in question and each corresponding to the cluttercomponent, to obtain the detected pulses, and acquiring characteristicmeasurements of the detected pulses, a computing subphase including:distributing the detected pulses into classes grouping together thepulses for which at least two characteristics have a shared value range,and selecting classes including a number of pulses greater than or equalto a predetermined threshold, to obtain selected classes, and anelimination phase including: building an elimination range, theelimination range being the set of pulses detectable by the radardetector belonging to the selected classes, and eliminating, in thesignals received by the radar detector, pulses belonging to theelimination range.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein thedistribution is carried out using a histogram.
 3. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the radar detector includes an attenuator, theelimination being implemented by using the attenuator preventing thedetection of pulses belonging to the elimination range.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the radar detector includes a computer,the elimination being implemented by the computer by eliminatingdetected pulses belonging to the elimination range.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, to wherein each onboard transmitter is capable ofproducing a synchronization signal, the training and elimination phasesbeing paced using the synchronization signal of each onboardtransmitter.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the acquisitionsubphase includes the formation and use of acquisition ranges.
 7. Aradar detector comprising an electromagnetic wave receiver and acalculator, the radar detector being configured to carry out a methodfor testing the electromagnetic compatibility of a radar detector withat least one onboard pulse signal transmitter, the radar detector andeach onboard transmitter belonging to the same platform, by eliminatingthe clutter component in the signals received by the radar detector, themethod comprising: a training phase including, for each onboardtransmitter: an acquisition subphase seeking to obtain detected pulses,each pulse being characterized by characteristics, the characteristicsincluding at least the date of arrival of the pulse in question and thecarrier frequency of the pulse in question, the subphase including:acquiring signals derived from pulses emitted by the onboard transmitterin question and each corresponding to the clutter component, to obtainthe detected pulses, and acquiring, characteristic measurements of thedetected pulses, a computing subphase including: distributing thedetected pulses into classes grouping together the pulses for which atleast two characteristics have a shared value range, and selectingclasses including a number of pulses greater than or equal to apredetermined threshold, to obtain selected classes, and an eliminationphase including: building an elimination range, an the elimination rangebeing the set of pulses detectable by the radar detector belonging tothe selected classes, and eliminating, in the signals received by theradar detector, pulses belonging to the elimination range.
 8. A platformequipped with a radar detector according to claim 7.